Mobile x-ray imaging apparatus

ABSTRACT

A mobile X-ray imaging apparatus includes a first column rotatably coupled to a main body and extending in one direction; a second column extending in the one direction and slidably coupled to the first column in an extension direction of the first column; a display provided in the main body; and a indicator arranged in one end of the second column.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/627,655, filed on Jun. 20, 2017, in the U.S. Patent and TrademarkOffice, which claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No.10-2016-0136249, filed on Oct. 20, 2016, and Korean Patent ApplicationNo. 10-2017-0007031, filed on Jan. 16, 2017, in the Korean IntellectualProperty Office, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein intheir entireties by reference.

BACKGROUND 1. Field

The present disclosure relates to mobile X-ray imaging apparatuses.

2. Description of the Related Art

X-ray imaging apparatuses are used to obtain an image of the inside ofan object by using X-rays. X-ray imaging apparatuses may irradiateX-rays towards the object, detect X-rays transmitted through the object,and image the inside of the object in a non-invasive manner. MedicalX-ray imaging apparatuses may be used to diagnose an injury or diseaseof the inside of the object that may not be identified externally.

In a general X-ray imaging apparatus, since an X-ray source and an X-raydetector are fixed to a specific space, a patient needs to visit a testroom where the X-ray imaging apparatus is located and position his/herbody with respect to the apparatus for X-ray imaging.

However, since patients who have difficulty moving are inconvenienced byX-ray imaging using a general X-ray imaging apparatus, mobile X-rayimaging apparatuses capable of obtaining X-ray images regardless oflocation have been developed.

A mobile X-ray imaging apparatus having a movable main body is disclosedin which an X-ray source is mounted on the main body. Using a portableX-ray detector in combination with the X-ray source, the mobile X-rayimaging apparatus may provide X-ray imaging for patients havingdifficulty moving. Even when the mobile X-ray imaging apparatus is used,there may be a limit with respect to a degree of spatial freedom forX-ray imaging according to relative positions of the object and theX-ray imaging apparatus.

SUMMARY

Provided are mobile X-ray imaging apparatuses provided with a columnthat extends or retracts in a multi-axial direction in which an X-raysource is mounted.

Provided are mobile X-ray imaging apparatuses provided with a displayarranged in a column that extends or retracts and displaying anoperating state of an X-ray imaging apparatus to a user, an object, andother relevant people.

Provided are mobile X-ray imaging apparatuses in which a blocking memberfor blocking an annexed apparatus arranged in a column from an externalobject is arranged.

Provided are mobile X-ray imaging apparatuses including a handlerarranged in a column that extends or retracts.

Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description whichfollows and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or may belearned by practice of the presented embodiments.

According to an aspect of an embodiment, a mobile X-ray imagingapparatus includes a main body including a driving wheel; a first columnrotatably coupled to the main body and extending in one direction; asecond column slidably coupled to the first column in an extensiondirection of the first column; a display provided in the main body andconfigured to visually display an X-ray irradiation condition; and avisual indicator arranged at one end of the second column anddetermining a color indicator according to an operating state of themobile X-ray imaging apparatus, and wherein the visual indicator movesin the extension direction of the first column when the second columnslides and moves.

The mobile X-ray imaging apparatus may further include: an X-ray sourceconfigured to irradiate an X-ray to an object; and an arm to which theX-ray source is coupled, wherein the arm is coupled to the second columnin order to be movable in the extension direction of the first column,and wherein the visual indicator is located higher than the arm in theextension direction of the first column.

The visual indicator may include: a light emitting element; a circuitsubstrate electrically connected to the light emitting element; a lightguide plate configured to uniformly transfer light emitted from thelight emitting element; and a controller connected to the circuitsubstrate and configured to transmit a control signal.

The light emitting element may emit light of various wavelengths.

In a first state in which the second column slides with respect to thefirst column in a first direction, the visual indicator may be arrangedat a height of from about 70 cm to about 150 cm from the ground.

The mobile X-ray imaging apparatus may be movable from a first positionto a second position in the first state, and wherein the visualindicator indicates a color indicator that varies according to a movingstate and a stop state of the mobile X-ray imaging apparatus.

In a second state in which the second column slides with respect to thefirst column in a second direction, the visual indicator may be arrangedat a height of from about 150 cm to about 230 cm from the ground.

The mobile X-ray imaging apparatus may be fixed to a specific positionin the second state, and wherein the visual indicator indicates a colorindicator that varies according to an operating state of the X-raysource.

The stop state of the mobile X-ray imaging apparatus may include one ofa case where the mobile X-ray imaging apparatus maintains an idle statefor a predetermined period of time and a case where a brake for movingthe mobile X-ray imaging apparatus is released.

The operating state of the X-ray source may include one of a case wherean input signal is input to the X-ray source, the X-ray source ispreheated, the X-ray source irradiates an X-ray, and the X-ray sourcemalfunctions.

According to an aspect of another embodiment, a mobile X-ray imagingapparatus includes a main body including a driving wheel; a first columnrotatably coupled to the main body and extending in one direction; anX-ray assembly including an X-ray source for irradiating an X-ray toobject and an X-ray source support body by which the X-ray source issupported and slidably coupled to the first column in an extensiondirection of the first column; a display provided in the main body andconfigured to visually display an X-ray irradiation condition; and avisual indicator arranged on an upper portion of the X-ray assembly anddetermining a color indicator according to an operating state of themobile X-ray imaging apparatus, and wherein the visual indicator movesin the extension direction of the first column when the X-ray assemblyslides and moves.

The X-ray source support body includes: an arm to which the X-ray sourceis coupled; and a second column coupled movable to the arm in theextension direction of the first column and slidably coupled to thefirst column in the extension direction of the first column.

The visual indicator may be located upper than the arm in the extensiondirection of the first column.

In a first state in which the second column slides with respect to thefirst column in a first direction, the visual indicator may be arrangedat a height of from about 70 cm to about 150 cm from the ground.

The mobile X-ray imaging apparatus may be movable from a first positionto a second position in the first state, and wherein the visualindicator indicates a color indicator that varies according to a movingstate and a stop state of the mobile X-ray imaging apparatus.

In a second state in which the second column slides with respect to thefirst column in a second direction, the visual indicator may be arrangedat a height of from about 150 cm to about 230 cm from the ground.

The mobile X-ray imaging apparatus may be fixed to a specific positionin the second state, and wherein the visual indicator indicates a colorindicator that varies according to an operating state of the X-raysource.

The stop state of the mobile X-ray imaging apparatus may include one ofa case where the mobile X-ray imaging apparatus maintains an idle statefor a predetermined period of time and a case where a brake for movingthe mobile X-ray imaging apparatus is released.

In the moving state of the mobile X-ray imaging apparatus, the displaymay not operate and only the visual indicator operates.

The operating state of the X-ray source may include one of a case wherean input signal is input to the X-ray source, the X-ray source ispreheated, the X-ray source irradiates an X-ray, and the X-ray sourcemalfunctions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and/or other aspects will become apparent and more readilyappreciated from the following description of the embodiments, taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mobile X-ray imaging apparatusaccording to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a lateral view of a mobile X-ray imaging apparatus accordingto an embodiment;

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a column and a indicator of a mobile X-rayimaging apparatus according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a indicator according to anembodiment;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a indicator according to anembodiment;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a mobile X-ray imaging apparatus accordingto an embodiment;

FIGS. 7A through 7C illustrate a column and a blocker of a mobile X-rayimaging apparatus according to an embodiment;

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a blocker according to an embodiment;

FIG. 8B is a lateral view of a blocker according to an embodiment;

FIG. 8C is a front view of a blocker according to an embodiment; and

FIGS. 9A and 9B are partial perspective views of an arm according to anembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of whichare illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like referencenumerals refer to like elements throughout. In this regard, the presentembodiments may have different forms and should not be construed asbeing limited to the descriptions set forth herein. Accordingly, theembodiments are merely described below, by referring to the figures, toexplain aspects.

Throughout the specification, an “object” may be a human, an animal, ora part of a human or animal. For example, the object may include anorgan (for example, the liver, the heart, the womb, the brain, breasts,or the abdomen), blood vessels, or a combination thereof.

Throughout the specification, a “user” and a “peripheral relevantperson” may be, but is not limited to, a medical expert, for example, amedical doctor, a nurse, a medical laboratory technologist, or a medicalimaging expert, or a technician who repairs medical apparatuses.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mobile X-ray imaging apparatus 1according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a lateral view of the mobile X-rayimaging apparatus 1 according to an embodiment. FIGS. 3A and 3Billustrate a column and a indicator of a mobile X-ray imaging apparatusaccording to an embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 3B, the mobile X-ray imaging apparatus 1according to an embodiment may include a main body 10 and an X-raysource 11 mounted in the main body 10. The main body 10 may be movablyprovided by a driving wheel 12. The main body 10 may be further providedwith a caster 16. The caster 16, which is multi-directionally rotatable,may make it easier to change direction when the mobile X-ray imagingapparatus 1 moves.

A handle 13 may be provided in the main body 10 and thus a user may movethe main body 10 by holding and pushing or pulling the handle 13. Acontrol panel 15 may be provided in the X-ray source 11. The user mayuse the control panel 15 to control an operation of the mobile X-rayimaging apparatus 1.

The column 20 having an extending length that may vary may be providedin the main body 10. A rotation panel 14 may be rotatably provided inthe main body 10. The column 20 may be mounted in the rotation panel 14.The column 20 may rotate along with the rotation panel 14. As the column20 rotates, since the X-ray source 11 connected to the column 20rotates, a position of the X-ray source 11 may vary. As described above,the X-ray source 11 may be provided to have a variable position, andthus X-ray imaging may be performed at various angles.

The column 20 may include a first column 21 and a second column 22extendable from the first column 21. The second column 22 may be capableof sliding along the first column 21. If the second column 22 slidesupward along the first column 21, a length of the column 20 may extend.If the second column 22 slides downward along the first column 21, thelength of the column 20 may retract.

An arm 30 having one end to which the X-ray source 11 is coupled may bemounted in the second column 22. The arm 30 may be capable of slidingalong the second column 20, and thus a position of the X-ray source 11may vary in up and down directions.

Also, the mobile X-ray imaging apparatus 1 according to an embodimentmay further include a display 35 acting as a display a screen forguiding a user, an X-ray image, a screen for displaying a state of themobile X-ray apparatus 1 and a visual indicator 40 arranged in one endof the column 20 and displaying imaging related information such asirradiation of X-ray and an operating state of the mobile X-ray imagingapparatus 1 being controlled by a controller 80. A conventional mobileX-ray imaging apparatus includes a sound outputter for outputting asound output signal and an outputter visually available only to theuser, for example, a visual outputter such as a monitor. In this regard,the user identifies an irradiation state of an X-ray by using the visualoutputter while an irradiation object of the X-ray and a peripheralrelevant person, etc. identify by using, for example, a sound outputsignal that is output from a sound outputter, rather than a conventionalvisual outputter. The conventional sound outputter and visual outputtermay not readily perform a function of a display apparatus according toan external environment, for example, an existence of an auditoryinhibitor such as noise, etc. and a position relationship of the userand the conventional X-ray imaging apparatus.

An X-ray assembly 17 may include an X-ray source 11 for irradiating anX-ray to object and an X-ray source support body 25 by which the X-raysource 11 is supported. In this regard, X-ray source support body 25according to an embodiment may include the arm 30 and the second column22. The X-ray assembly 17 may be slidably coupled to the first column 21in an extension direction of the first column 21. In this regard, avisual indicator 40 may be arranged on an upper portion of the X-rayassembly 17, and thus the visual indicator 40 may move in the extensiondirection of the first column 21 when the X-ray assembly 17 slides andmoves.

Meanwhile, the mobile X-ray imaging apparatus 1 according to anembodiment may include the display 35 to be viewed by the user and thevisual indicator 40 that is visually available to the object, the user,and the relevant person as shown in FIG. 1, in addition to theconventional sound outputter (not shown). In this regard, the visualindicator 40 may be arranged at one end of the column 20 as describedabove so that the visual indicator 40 is directly exposed to an externalenvironment. Also, the visual indicator 40 may be arranged at one end ofthe column 20 that is movable and may move along with the column 20 inorder to adopt to changes in a use environment according to an extensionand a retraction of the column 20, and thus the visual indicator 40 maybe viewable by the user, the object, and the relevant person at variousviewing angles.

For example, as shown in FIG. 2, in a first state in which the usermoves the mobile X-ray imaging apparatus 1 from a first position to asecond position, a viewing angle α of the user may be fixed toward thefront. In this regard, the visual indicator 40 may be arranged at oneend of the second column 22 in the retracted column 20, for example, ina state in which the second column 22 is accommodated in the firstcolumn 21, as shown in FIG. 3B, and thus the visual indicator 40 may becontinuously identified within the viewing angle α of the user. In thisregard, a minimum height h₁ of the visual indicator 40 may range fromabout 70 cm to about 150 cm from the ground but the present disclosureis not limited thereto. In this regard, the ground refers to a supportsurface by which a lowest part of the mobile X-ray imaging apparatus 1is supported, for example, a floor surface of a building in which themobile X-ray imaging apparatus 1 is moving or a floor surface of anX-ray imaging room in which X-ray imaging is performed. Thus, the usermay not only determine an operating state of the mobile X-ray imagingapparatus 1 without viewing the display 35 while moving but alsodetermine a malfunction of the mobile X-ray imaging apparatus 1immediately when the malfunction occurs.

Also, as shown in FIG. 3A, in a second state in which the mobile X-rayimaging apparatus 1 is fixed to a specific position in order to use themobile X-ray imaging apparatus 1, i.e. when the column 20 extends inorder to use the mobile X-ray imaging apparatus 1, for example, when thesecond column 22 slides from the first column 21 and is exposed tooutside, the visual indicator 40 arranged in one end of the secondcolumn 22 may be arranged in a highest position of the mobile X-rayimaging apparatus 1. In this regard, the visual indicator 40 may bearranged in a position higher than that of the arm 30 to which the X-raysource 11 is coupled. Also, a maximum height h₂ of the visual indicator40 may be determined in consideration of heights of the user, theobject, and the relevant person and a height of the peripheralinhibitor. For example, the maximum height h₂ of the visual indicator 40may range from about 150 cm to about 230 cm but the present disclosureis not limited thereto. As described above, the visual indicator 40 maybe arranged in a higher position than general viewing angles of theuser, the object, and the relevant person, and thus visibility of theuser, the object, and the relevant person with respect to the visualindicator 40 may be improved. That is, the user, the object, and therelevant person may visually identify the visual indicator 40irrespective of relative positions of the mobile X-ray imaging apparatus1, the user, the object, the relevant person, and the peripheralinhibitor. Thus, the user, the object, and the relevant person mayidentify the operating state of the mobile X-ray imaging apparatus 1 inreal time in a peripheral environment, for example, noise or a confusingsituation such as an emergency room.

Also, the visual indicator 40 according to an embodiment may displayvarious operating states of the mobile X-ray imaging apparatus 1according to a display method. For example, the visual indicator 40 maydisplay various operating states of the mobile X-ray imaging apparatus 1by using a visual indicator, for example, text, images, or a change ofcolors. Thus, compared to a case where various operating states of themobile X-ray imaging apparatus 1 are displayed by using a conventionalauditory indicator, irrespective of an auditory eternal factor, forexample, an auditory inhibitor that occurs in an emergency environmentin which the mobile X-ray imaging apparatus 1 may be used, the user, theobject, and the relevant person may identify the operating state of themobile X-ray imaging apparatus 1. In addition, the visual indicator 40may use the visual indicator, and thus the user, the object, and therelevant person may identify the operating state of the mobile X-rayimaging apparatus 1 in real time. However, the present disclosure is notlimited thereto. A visually displayed indicator may be used in thevisual indicator 40. The visual indicator 40 that uses a change ofcolors as the visual indicator will be described in more detail below.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the visual indicator 40according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of thevisual indicator 40 according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the visual indicator 40 according to anembodiment may include a first case 41 and a second case 44 that may becoupled to each other, a circuit substrate 43 that may include a lightemitting element 45, and a outputter 42 that receives light from thelight emitting element 45 and displays the light to outside.

As an example, the first case 41 may be an accommodation apparatusextending in a ‘⊏’ shape, and the second case 42 may be provided incorrespondence to the first case 41 and coupled to the first case 41 sothat the first case 41 and the second case 42 may form an accommodationspace in which the outputter 42 and the circuit substrate 43 areaccommodated.

The circuit substrate 43 may be a substrate apparatus in which the lightemitting element 45 is arranged and may be provided as, for example, aprinted circuit board (PCB) but the present disclosure is not limitedthereto. The circuit substrate 43 may be provided in the ‘⊏’ shape incorrespondence to the first case 41. In this regard, the light emittingelement 45 may be provided as one or more elements that may be spacedapart from each other by a predetermined gap in an extension directionof the circuit substrate 43. For example, the light emitting element 45may be an LED element with various colors but the present disclosure isnot limited thereto. The circuit substrate 43 may be connected to thecontroller 80 that will be described later, and accordingly, whether thelight emitting element 45 emits light may be controlled.

The outputter 42 may be a display apparatus for displaying light emittedfrom the light emitting element 45 to outside. As an example, theoutputter 42 may be provided as a light guide plate to uniformlytransfer light to outside. For example, the outputter 42 may include apanel 421 arranged to face the light emitting element 45 and an exposureunit 422 connected to the panel 421 and having one surface exposed tooutside. As an example, the panel 421 and the exposure unit 422 mayinclude transparent acryl, thereby performing a function of uniformlyscattering light emitted from the light emitting element 45 over anentire region of the exposure unit 422. Accordingly, the user, theobject, and the relevant person may visually recognize light of variouscolors emitted from the outputter 42 and identify the operating state ofthe mobile X-ray imaging apparatus 1. An example of an operating stateof the visual indicator 40 according to the operating state of themobile X-ray imaging apparatus 1 will be described below.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the mobile X-ray imaging apparatus 1according to an embodiment.

The mobile X-ray imaging apparatus 1 according to an embodiment mayfurther include the controller 80 for controlling an operation of themobile X-ray imaging apparatus 1 and an inputter 90 for inputting acontrol command, in addition to the display 35 and indicators 40 thatdisplay an operating state of the mobile X-ray imaging apparatus 1. Theinputter 90 may include a keyboard, a mouse, a touch screen, a voicerecognizer, a fingerprint recognizer, an iris recognizer, etc. and mayinclude other input apparatuses that are obvious to one of ordinaryskill in the art. A user may input a command for irradiation of X-raysthrough the inputter 90. A switch for inputting the command may beprovided in the inputter 90.

As an example, when the mobile X-ray imaging apparatus 1 is not used orthe mobile X-ray imaging apparatus 1 is moved as shown in FIG. 2, theoutputter 42 of the visual indicator 40 may display a first indicator,for example, a blue indicator. In this regard, the display 35 may notoperate, and accordingly, the user, an object, and a relevant person mayidentify the visual indicator 40 to determine a use state of the mobileX-ray imaging apparatus 1.

Next, the user may input the command for irradiation of X-rays throughthe inputter 90. As an example, the user may input the command forirradiation of X-rays by pressing the switch provided in the inputter 90twice. As an example, when the user presses the switch provided in theinputter 90 once, a preparation command for instructing preheating forirradiation of X-rays may be input to the switch. In this regard, thecontroller 80 may control the visual indicator 40 to display a secondindicator, for example, a bright green indicator, on the outputter 42.

Next, when the user presses the switch provided in the inputter 90 oncemore, an irradiation command for substantial irradiation of X-rays maybe input to the switch. In this case, a high voltage generator 121 thatgenerates high voltage for generating X-rays may start preheating, and,if preheating is prepared, output a preparation complete signal to thecontroller 80. In this regard, the controller 80 may control the visualindicator 40 to display a third indicator, for example, a greenindicator, on the outputter 42.

Next, if preheating of the high voltage generator 121 is complete, andan irradiation signal from the inputter 90 to the high voltage generator121 is output, the high voltage generator 121 may generate high voltageand apply the high voltage to the X-ray source 11. The X-ray source 11may irradiate X-rays. In this regard, the controller 80 may control thevisual indicator 40 to display a fourth indicator, for example, a yellowindicator, on the outputter 42.

Next, since the mobile X-ray imaging apparatus 1 malfunctions, when anemergency button is pressed by the user or a malfunction state isrecognized by the controller 80, the controller 80 may control thevisual indicator 40 to display a fifth indicator, for example, a redflickering indicator, on the outputter 42.

In addition, the visual indicator 40 according to an embodiment maydisplay a moving state of the mobile X-ray imaging apparatus. Accordingto an embodiment, when a brake (not shown) of the mobile X-ray imagingapparatus 1 is released by the user, the controller 80 may control thevisual indicator 40 to display a sixth indicator, for example, a whiteindicator, on the outputter 42.

Next, when the brake (not shown) of the mobile X-ray imaging apparatus 1is released, and an external force is input by the user or an inputsignal for moving the mobile X-ray imaging apparatus 1 is input to theinputter 90, the controller 80 may control the visual indicator 40 todisplay a seventh indicator, for example, a blue flickering indicator,on the outputter 42.

Next, when the mobile X-ray imaging apparatus 1 does not operate for apredetermined period of time and maintains an idle state, the controller80 may control the visual indicator 40 to display an eighth indicator,for example, a white flickering indicator, on the outputter 42. Asdescribed above, specific color displays may correspond to variousoperating states of the mobile X-ray imaging apparatus 1 one by one, andspecific color indicators may be output from the visual indicator 40according to various operating states of the mobile X-ray imagingapparatus 1, and thus the user, the object, and the relevant person mayidentify and prepare for various operating states of the mobile X-rayimaging apparatus 1 in real time.

FIGS. 7A through 7C illustrate the column 20 and a blocker 50 accordingto an embodiment. FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the blocker 50according to an embodiment. FIG. 8B is a lateral view of the blocker 50according to an embodiment. FIG. 8C is a front view of the blocker 50according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 7A through 8C, the X-ray imaging apparatus accordingto an embodiment may not include a separate driving source and maymanually extend or retract a length of the column 20. A structure of thecolumn 20 with a manually increasing or reducing length will bedescribed below.

The column 20 according to an embodiment may include a first column 21,a second column 22, and the blocker 50 movable in connection with thesecond column 22. For example, the first column 21 may be a fixingmember, and the second column 22 may be an extension and reductionmember that is slidably arranged in the first column 21. A movingdirection of the second column 22 may be regulated by a slide arrangedin a side part of the second column 22 and a slide guide provided in thefirst column 21.

The blocker 50 according to an embodiment may include a support member51 fixed to a lower portion of the second column 22, a blind member 52having one end fixed to the support member 51 and another end fixed toone part of a roller 53, the roller 53 for winding the blind member 52,and a case 54 for supporting the roller 53.

The support member 51 according to an embodiment may be provided in arod shape extending in one direction and may have one surface fixed to alower part of the second column 22. In this regard, the blind member 52that will be described later may be fixed to another surface of thesupport member 51. One surface of the support member 51 may be fixed tothe lower part of the second column 22 and the blind member 52 that willbe described later may be fixed to another surface of the support member51, and thus the support member 51 may move up and down in connectionwith a movement of the second column 22, and one end of the blind member52 may move up and down according to the movement of the support member51.

The blind member 52 may be a blocking member provided in the form of aflexible material that may be wound by the roller 53. For example, theblind member 52 may be provided as a flexible and elastic member. Inthis regard, the blind member 52 may be provided in an opaque materialbut the present disclosure is not limited thereto. One end of the blindmember 52 may be fixed to the support member 51, and another end thereofmay be fixed to the roller 53. Accordingly, as described above, when thesecond column 22 moves up and down, the support member 51 may also moveup and down in connection with the second column 22. In this regard, theblind member 52 having one end fixed to the support member 51 may alsomove up and down in connection with the movement of the support member51.

For example, when the second column 22 moves up, the support member 51may also move up in connection with the second column 22. In thisregard, the blind member 52 having one end fixed to the support member51 may also move up in connection with the movement of the supportmember 51. In this regard, the roller 53 may rotate in one direction,and thus the blind member 52 wounded by the roller 53 may also beunwounded and may move up along a movement direction of the supportmember 51. In this regard, a regulator 55 for regulating a shape of theblind member 52 and provided in a roller shape may be arranged in atravel section of the blind member 52, thereby regulating the shape suchthat the blind member 52 may move up in a flat shape. For example, whenan up movement of the second column 22 is complete, the support member51 fixed to the second column 22 may act as a stopper, and accordingly,the roller 22 may stop rotating in another direction, and the blindmember 52 may also stop unwinding.

Also, for example, when the second column 22 moves down, the supportmember 51 may also move down in connection with the second column 22. Inthis regard, the blind member 52 having one end fixed to the supportmember 51 may also move down in connection with the movement of thesupport member 51. In this regard, an elastic member 56 that may apply atorque to the roller 22 in another direction, for example, a leafspring, may be arranged in the roller 53. Accordingly, the roller 22 mayrotate in one direction in another direction, and thus a predeterminedtension may be applied to the blind member 52 such that the blind member52 may be wounded again by the roller 53. For example, when a downmovement of the second column 22 is complete, the support member 51fixed to the second column 22 may act as a stopper, and accordingly, theroller 22 may stop rotating in another direction, and the blind member52 may also stop rewinding.

As described above, since the blind member 52 may also move up inconnection with the up and down movements of the second column 22, whenthe second column 22 retracts, a front part of the first column 21 thatis a movement path in which the second column 22 extends or retracts maynot be exposed to outside by the second column 22, and when the secondcolumn 22 extends, the front part may not be exposed to outside by theblind member 52. Thus, a high voltage member arranged in the firstcolumn 21 may prevent a risk exposed to the user, the object, and therelevant person as well as may prevent a malfunction that a movementpath of the second column 22 is blocked due to impurities inserted intothe first column 21.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are partial perspective views of an arm 30 according toan embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 9A, and 9B, the arm 30 according to an embodimentmay be extendable. The arm 30 may extend or retract, and thus the X-raysource 11 mounted in an end of the arm 30 may move in a side directionsuch that a position of the X-ray source 11 may vary.

For example, the arm 30 may include a first arm 31 that is slidablealong the second column 22 and a second arm 32 that is extendable fromthe first arm 31. The X-ray source 11 may be mounted in an end of thesecond arm 32. The second arm 32 may slide from the first arm 31 in onedirection or in another direction, and thus a length of the arm 30 mayextend or retract. A configuration of the arm 30 is not limited todescribed above.

When the mobile X-ray imaging apparatus 1 is moved by a user, lengths ofthe column 20 and the arm 30 may retract in order to secure viewing ofthe user and prevent collision with an obstacle. The second column 22may be located to overlap with the first column 21. The second arm 22may be located to overlap with the first arm 21. Thus, the lengths ofthe column 20 and the arm 30 may be minimized. The X-ray source 11mounted in the arm 30 may be located in an upper portion of the mainbody 10 in order to avoid a shock with an external obstacle.

When the mobile X-ray imaging apparatus 1 moves, the lengths of thecolumn 20 and the arm 30 may retract in order to safely move the mobileX-ray imaging apparatus 1. When X-ray is imaged by the mobile X-rayimaging apparatus 1, the lengths of the column 20 and the arm 30 mayincrease by varying a position of the X-ray source 11 in order tofacilitate X-ray imaging.

Also, an object may be arranged in a lower portion of the X-ray source11, and the user is located between the main body 10 and the object, theuser may be difficult to directly manipulate a holder provided in theX-ray source 11 in order to adjust a position of the X-ray source 11. Inthis regard, a handler 95 that may be held by the user may be providedin the second arm 32. In this regard, the handler 95 may be fixed to thesecond arm 32, and accordingly, the handler 95 may also move inconnection with a movement of the second arm 32. Thus, the user may movethe second arm 32 while holding the handler 95, thereby more easilyadjusting a relative position of the X-ray source 11 irrespective of aposition of the object.

A mobile X-ray imaging apparatus according to an embodiment may adjust aposition of an X-ray source in various ways, thereby performing X-rayimaging at various angles and ranges. Also, an operating process of themobile X-ray imaging apparatus may be transferred to a user, an object,and a relevant person in real time. Also, the mobile X-ray imagingapparatus may prevent external impurities from being inserted into acolumn that extends or retracts and protect the user, the object, andthe relevant person from a high voltage wire, etc. arranged in theextended or retracted column. Also, the user may easily extend orretract the X-ray source between the objet and a main body of the mobileX-ray imaging apparatus.

It should be understood that embodiments described herein should beconsidered in a descriptive sense only and not for purposes oflimitation. Descriptions of features or aspects within each embodimentshould typically be considered as available for other similar featuresor aspects in other embodiments.

While one or more embodiments have been described with reference to thefigures, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the artthat various changes in form and details may be made therein withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope as defined by the following claims.

1-10. (canceled)
 11. A mobile X-ray imaging apparatus comprising: a main body comprising a driving wheel; a column rotatably coupled to the main body and extending in one direction; an X-ray source connected to the column; and a visual indicator that is attached to one end of the column, wherein a color of the visual indicator is changed based on receiving a signal indicating that preheating of a generator is started, and the visual indicator displays the color during the preheating of the generator.
 12. The mobile X-ray imaging apparatus of claim 11, wherein the color of the visual indicator is changed based on receiving a signal indicating that an idle state of the mobile X-ray imaging apparatus is started, and the visual indicator displays the color during the idle state of the mobile X-ray imaging apparatus.
 13. The mobile X-ray imaging apparatus of claim 11, wherein the visual indicator emits light through at least three surfaces exposed to an outside of the mobile X-ray imaging apparatus.
 14. The mobile X-ray imaging apparatus of claim 13, wherein the visual indicator is configured to have a horizontally aligned U-shape and horizontally emits the light to the outside via an entire surface exposed to the outside of the horizontally aligned U-shape.
 15. The mobile X-ray imaging apparatus of claim 13, wherein the visual indicator comprises: a light emitting element; a circuit substrate electrically connected to the light emitting element; a light guide plate uniformly scattering the light emitted from the light emitting element over at least three surfaces; and a controller connected to the circuit substrate and configured to transmit a control signal.
 16. The mobile X-ray imaging apparatus of claim 11, wherein the column comprises: a first column rotatably coupled to the main body and extending in an extension direction that corresponds to the direction in which the column is extending; and a second column slidably coupled to the first column in the extension direction of the first column.
 17. The mobile X-ray imaging apparatus of claim 11, further comprising: an arm extending in another direction and connecting the column to the X-ray source.
 18. The mobile X-ray imaging apparatus of claim 16, wherein the visual indicator is located above the arm in the extension direction of the first column.
 19. The mobile X-ray imaging apparatus of claim 16, further comprising: a blocker extending in one direction in which the second column slides and blocking one side surface of the first column from outside.
 20. The mobile X-ray imaging apparatus of claim 19, wherein the blocker comprises, a support member fixed to one end of the second column; a blind member fixed to the support member and configured to extend in connection with a movement of the support member; and a roller winding the blind member.
 21. The mobile X-ray imaging apparatus of claim 20, wherein the blind member comprises an opaque and elastic material.
 22. The mobile X-ray imaging apparatus of claim 20, wherein the blocker further comprises a shape regulator arranged in an extension path of the blind member and configured to regulate a shape of the blind member.
 23. The mobile X-ray imaging apparatus of claim 20, further comprising: an elastic member configured to apply a torque to the roller when the blocker moves and the blind member winds. 